The Beacon

Volume 30 Number 9
November 2000

The Official Newsletter of the Saanich Peninsula Squadron

A UNIT OF CANADIAN POWER AND SAIL SQUADRONS

Commander Cdr Ken Reeves 655-3602  
Past Commander P/Cdr Helen Louwerse 544-4358 [email protected]
Executive Officer Lt/Cdr Greg Nutt 656-4212 nuttgreg@ hotmail.com
Training Officer Lt/Cdr Greg Nutt 656-4212 nutz@ home.com
Assistant Training Officer 1st Lt John Hudson 655-3653 [email protected]
ATO Chief Proctor 1st Lt Sita Pillay 656-5675 [email protected]
Youth Training Officer 1st Lt Barbara Bond 384-4268 [email protected]
Training Aids Officer 1st Lt David Teece 658-0299 [email protected]
Treasurer 1st Lt Jim Dawson 658-8204
Secretary 1st Lt Paulette Nutt 656-4212 [email protected]
Membership Officer 1st Lt Diana McBratney 656-4590 [email protected]
Editor, Beacon 1st Lt Heather Pepper 656-8101 [email protected]
Publisher, Beacon 1st Lt Agnes Simpson 652-1291
Supply Officer 1st Lt Chris Sterling 656-7927  
Communications Officer 1st Lt Jackie Levi 656-3420 [email protected]
Marep Hydrographic P/Cdr Stephen Denroche 656-6177 [email protected]
Webmaster P/Cdr Glenn Gallins 656-4904 [email protected]
Social Cruise Captain 1st Lt Barry Levi 477-3702 [email protected]
Student Cruise Captain 1st Lt Martin Pepper pgr388-1727 [email protected]
P.R. & Entertainment Officer 1st Lt Gay Miller 656-5190 [email protected]
Port Captain 1st Lt Gay Miller 656-5190 [email protected]
Environment Officer 1st Lt George Winn 472-2219 [email protected]
Archivist (Temp) P/Cdr Giles Perodeau 656-4525 [email protected]
Auditor ***** Brenna Litwack 656-0084 [email protected]
********************** ****** ************** ********** ********************

Meetings of the Bridge will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 1930 in the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club, except July and December. All members are welcome to attend. If you wish to submit material for publication in The Beacon, the material should be delivered to the Editor by the 15th of the preceding month. The Beacon will also be published on the Squadron website at http://www.islandnet.com/~cps-sps


Page 2

Commander's Comments

I hope everyone had a very good Summer, with plenty of time on the water. The current forecast indicates a few more days of fine weather - every day that Summer lingers is an enjoyable bonus!

Our fall Boating class got off to a good start on September 12th with 29 budding boaters signed up. There were several couples who benefited from the $40 discount for the second person. Doug Goodwin, back from sailing adventures in the South Pacific marked to teach the Piloting course next year. Good luck to all Students; Doug has a wealth of experience to back up his instruction.

We are all shocked and saddened by the collision between the ferry, Spirit of Vancouver Island" and the 34 foot "Star Ruby" in the very narrow Colburne Passage, near Piers Island, which took the life of one man and left one woman in critical condition, who later died in hospital. Without prejudging the outcome of the investigations currently underway, we all stand reminded that large vessels have the right-of-way in narrow channels - the big boats will always win!

It seems to me that it is good practice to periodically review both the Safe Boating Guide and the Collision Regulations (COLREGS), both of which are usually available at most marine supply stores or bookshops like the Compass Rose in Sidney.

~From the Commander, Ken Reeves

HAGER


Page 3

From The Editor

TO THE DEDICATED READER,

Do you have any fall boating plans? Autumn on the water can be so beautiful with the red and orange colours on the islands. Remember safety first file a sail plan with someone and keep in mind coastal weather can change quickly.

The weekend of Sept 8-10 was the wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend WA. This was a first time experience for Martin and I and we highly recommend it. So many beautiful boats and interesting people. Checking in with US Immigration proved to be a challenge and the Admiral forgot that the coin slots in American pay phones do not accept Canadian quarters. The

week-end was a mixed bag of weather mostly windy so the race for the under 25 foot sailboats had the skippers dealing with gusts up to 35 knots. The Admirals knees felt a little weak just watching from her anchorage. One boater learned that setting your anchor properly can avoid damage as well as the assurance your boat will be where you left it. Winds blowing onshore rammed a 20 foot sailboat under the Washington State ferry dock. Cautiously a good Samaritan climbed over the rail, shimmied down the mast and brought up the anchor , which appeared to be rope alone and I would guess less than six feet of scope. The Sheriff then towed the sailboat into the near by marina. It was a great week-end and I tried my best to draft a new Power Squadron Member for the basic boating course. Mark are you still thinking about it?

The editor apologies for not getting the September issue of the Beacon on to the cps web site. If computer technical difficulties are resolved the October issue should be on-line. Speaking of technology and the twenty-first century , I would like to survey the membership and have those of you e-mail me if you would like the Beacon e-mailed rather than by Canada Post.

~From the Editor, Heather Pepper


Page 4

Training Page

We've all heard it, most of us have said it: "A boat is just a hole in the water you pour money into", or B.O.A.T - "bring out another thousand".

Outwardly we laugh, but inside we boat owners know that there is more than just a little truth in these old saws.

In a bit of a departure from the normal training department articles, I would like to explore some ways of slowing the hemorrhage of loonies we pour into our own floating money pits.

No matter how long you own a boat, it will only be a "perfect" boat for two days.

 

The first is the day you convince yourself you have to buy it. The other is the day you convince someone else they have to buy it. In between these two days a boat becomes a study in compromise.

In this series of articles, we'll look at how to choose the boat that best suits your needs and your budget. How to choose a repair facility and mechanic that will keep your boat operating the way it should, and give the best value for dollars spent. We'll also look at how a simple mechanical log book can save thousands in repairs; jobs you can and should do yourself, and those jobs you should leave to professionals.

Next month we'll start with "Buying a Boat".

Let me know your thoughts.

~Executive Officer and Training Officer, Greg Nutt


Page 5

Coming Events

OCT 14 - Maple Bay wind up cruise.

OCT 19 - Bridge Meeting at Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club at 1930 hours, all member's welcome and encouraged to attend.

OCT 20/21 - National AGM in Toronto.

TBA - Student Cruise instructions, introductions and orientation. 1700 hours in Parklands School Auditorium. All skippers, proctors and other volunteers are encouraged to attend in preparation for the Sunday cruise to Otter Bay.

TBA - Student Cruise to Otter Bay.

NOV 16 - Bridge Meeting at Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club at 1930 hours, all member's welcome and encouraged to attend. Last meeting of the year. Next meeting January 20 2001.

Dolphin Hero (From the Los Angeles Times Syndicate)

A 14-year-old boy was saved from drowning off the southern Italian coast by a well-known dolphin named Filippo that has lived in the region for years. The boy and his father hit rough weather as they were sailing a small boat in the Adriatic Sea near the Gulf of Manfredonia. The boy, who did not know how to swim, was thrown overboard. As he was sinking beneath the surface of the water, he reported that he felt something push him up. He said, "When I realized it was Filippo, I hung on to him." Filippo pushed the boy up to the surface and then gently nudged him back to his father's boat. The three metre long marine mammal then quietly swam away.


Page 6

Cruise To Genoa Bay

SEPTEMBER 15-16

The weather again co-operated and made a fine week-end for a cruise. A total of 16 boats attended, a great turnout.

Madeleine Bently, with her blazing speed and technique put down all opposition in the corn shucking contest!

In the word search/brain teaser contest 3 boats came up with perfect 20/20 scores, so a tie breaker was held. This was done in front of the whole group with a 2 minute time limit. Ruth and Bob Jones came up with a perfect score to win the contest! Amazing--some people have a way with words.

Prizes were also given for the boat that could produce the oldest (out-dated) flare or fire extinguisher . This exercise had everyone working at their emergency supplies. The fire extinguisher was won by Wenaby (1976) and the flare by Silver Bar II (1982). 50/50 Draws (3 @ $5.00) were won by Ab Yates, Ruth Jones and Bob Parkinson

Our pot luck dinner and corn feast went very well as usual, with lots of dishes and desserts provided. A sack of Silver Rill peaches and cream corn was more than enough to feed the crowd.

Following the dinner we lit a bonfire in the pit and everyone sat around for some serious conversation!

Sunday morning after the prizes were awarded, a group went to tour the "mansion on the hill" This was a unique experience-- they have a real 40'

Sailboat inside the living room.

Great Weekend Great company - Thanks to:

Pilgrim, Odessa, Lady M, Senga, Et Tu, Silver Bar II, Showtime, Wenaby, Chieftain, Sun Viking II, Tanqueary, Panache, Easy Ice, Dorian I, Tingara, Charlotte Time, and the Denroches who drove up.

~Cruise Captain Barry Levi


Member News

All the best to Bob and Mo Parkinson who are on their way to Texas having swapped over from boat to fifth wheel. Rumor has it Mo will be reporting in periodically over the next six months.

Fair seas and sunny skies were wished for Doug Mitchell as he took a month's retreat with friends.

Barry and Jackie Levi managed to sneak away for a fortnight starting their cruising with the Genoa Bay Corn Roast. Congratulations Barry on yet another entertaining and well orchestrated event.

Salt (and fresh) Water Pearls

The following items are extracted (borrowed!) From the first draft of an article prepared by Barbara Bond, our youth Training Officer, who is away on holiday:

"HOW TO BE AN EXCELLENT CREW MEMBER'

WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET OR SURVIVAL SUIT AT ALL TIMES

nine out of ten people who fall overboard, drown because - THEY WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

ALCOHOL AND BOATING DON'T MIX

A responsible Skipper will ask that Alcoholic beverages

not be consumed until the boat is docked for the day.

MAN OVERBOARD - Heaven forbid! But if it should happen:

Shout "MAN OVERBOARD" - Point in the direction - do not take you're eyes off him/her. Continue to point until the life ring has been thrown to the person overboard.

I hope that when Barbara returns she will spare me the rod, and edit the full article for inclusion in a couple of issues of the BEACON.

There is nothing new or startling in the article; just good commonsense about actions which we all need to be reminded of periodically.

~From the Commander, Ken Reeves


Page 8

Membership News

A warm welcome to our eastern transfers, Joanna Cockshutt and Kit Raetsen from Guelph Squadron as well as John and Julie Gray from Toronto.

When a Varnish Touch Up Is Too

Little Too Late

The only thing worse than going to the dentist is scraping varnish down to bare wood, sanding smooth and starting the arduous task of rebuilding 8 to 10 coats that will give you that mirror finish.

You can only patch the small abrasions and scratches so long until, ultimately, moisture has crept under the varnish and into the wood. This saturation of fresh and salt water will show up as dark patches under the still shiny finish. You will also notice lighter patched as the hot sun has glared down and has started to separate the varnish from the wood because of the moisture or perhaps the impact of dropping something on the varnish. It is at this point that you have no choice but restore the integrity of the surface of your brightwork by scraping it down and starting anew.

Squeaky Head (Borrowed from "The Sailor's Sketchbook" By Bruce Bingham)

Every now and then, pour a shot of cooking oil or brake fluid (hydraulic oil) into your marine toilet pump. This will lubricate the seals, "O" rings and moving parts this will improve the toilet's operation dramatically and reduce repairs. DO NOT USE LUBE OIL!


Page 9

Happy Appy's

TRY THIS QUICK AND TASTY APPETIZER FOR

YOUR NEXT HAPPY HOUR SNACK

CRABMEAT DIP

1 can drained crabmeat Seasoned pepper to taste

1/2 cup mayonnaise Garlic powder to taste

2 Tbsp ketchup or chili sauce 1/2 tsp horseradish

2 to 3 Tbsp lemon juice

Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Serve with crackers or veggie tray.

TRY THIS FRUITY DRINK WITH YOUR CRABMEAT DIP!

SANGRIA

3/4 cup sugar 1/3 lime juice from concentrate

3/4 cup orange juice Orange, peach, or plum slices

>1/3 cup lemon juice from concentrate Ice

2 (750 ml) bottles medium dry red wine, chilled

In pitcher, combine sugar and juices; stir until sugar dissolves. Cover; chill. Just before serving, add wine and fruit. Serve over ice.

Makes about 2 quarts.

Your mind is like a parachute, it works best when open.


Page 11

Our Early Years

Before 1968, the only Power Squadron in the most southern area of Vancouver Island, was Victoria Squadron. Member's of that Squadron, some of whom lived a bit north of the city on the Saanich Peninsula, decided to conduct the basic course in Sidney, for residents of the Peninsula. This was done during the Winter of 1968/69 and was a success thanks to many of the Victoria Squadron members and in particular Jack Simpson, the chief organizer of project. All but one of the 25 students passed the exam in March and the one who failed passed when he took the exam again that year. All were keen to have a squadron on the Peninsula and before the end of April 1969 the Saanich Peninsula Squadron, located in Sidney, became the 109th squadron to be formed in Canada.

About half of the new squadron's members were Sidney residents and the other half resided within a few miles and included several who transferred from Victoria Squadron. The nominal roll of the in the 1969-70 District Roster lists 40 members (all male), 9 lady associates and 2 Juniors. Though they passed the course, Lady Associates and Juniors could not become members - but they paid no dues! In 1974 the Ladies were granted membership. The whys and how's might well be researched and make interesting reading someday. Five of our ladies are listed as Regular members of our Squadron in the 1974 District Roster. The Roster of the following year shows that two of these ladies were appointed to the Bridge. Then in 1982 Kay Worrall became the first Lady Member to become Commander of our Squadron, which now had 195 members (16 of whom were ladies), 11 Juniors and 34 Lady Associates. While ladies could become members, not all the old or new graduates of the Boating course applied to become members.

By 1982 other Squadrons had been formed in the area of what is not the Vancouver Island South District consisting of eight squadrons: Our Squadron in 1969, Salt Spring in 1974, Oak Bay in 1975, Juan De Fuca in 1976, Brentwood Bay in 1978 and Pender Island in 1981. Victoria Squadron is the oldest and Sooke the youngest formed in 1990.

~From the Archivist, Giles Perodeau


Page 12

Keep Us Informed

If you change your address, buy, sell or trade your boat please advise our membership officer so that our records can be kept up to date.

Membership Officer - Diana McBratney

Phone - 656- 4590

E-mail - [email protected]

Beacon Boating Classifieds (Contact Heather Pepper @ 656-8101 or @ [email protected]

for any classified questions)

We wish to find very cheap or free moorage for our 32 ft boat (power) for
6 months commencing Oct 29. This is so we can allow Hank & Helen Louwerse
to look after the boat for us while we are away. To have them operate the
boat we must remove it from the CCYC Yacht club where it is normally
moored. Do you know of any such moorage anywhere in the Sidney - North
Saanich- Brentwood area? A private dock perhaps? If so please call
Hank at 544-4358 or Bob at 727-8417. Thanks
Bob & Mo Parkinson
Dorian 1

Cleaning out the boathouse or basement? Found some nautical treasures that another boater can use. Take advantage of The Beacon's economical advertising and call or e-mail your editor to place your FREE ad.

Wisdom On The Water

A chartered boat stopped at a local marina during a dense fog. An impatient passenger asked the reason. "Can't see across the water to the Gulf Islands," said the skipper.

"But I can see the stars and the moon overhead," replied the passenger.

"Well, yes," agreed the skipper, "but unless the engine blows, we're not headed in that way."

 

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